Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
For teams from the Southern Hemisphere, the end of their domestic seasons coincides with the start of the offshore fixtures. Usually it is the All Blacks who take the primary attention, but the Maori All Blacks also have End of Year tour matches scheduled. Both sides will head north; the Maori side are preparing to face […] READ MORE
Irish Rugby have announced a schedule for next year, when Ireland tour Australia in June. It will be the first three-test visit by Ireland, competing for the Lansdowne Cup away from home for the first time since 2010. In a media release, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne commented, “the IRFU are delighted to tour Australia in June 2018. “Games […] READ MORE
Italian Rugby Slays Sad Springboks is not a headline anyone would have predicted at the start of the year. The reality is that history has been made with the Italian victory in Florence today. READ MORE
Key men like Beauden Barrett, Joe Moody and Sam Cane to name but a few, must be managed during this November International fixture list. Being well prepared for the three test matches, after such a long domestic, and even harder International season, will be the 'toughest test'. It will be hard, because of the internal pressures but as much as the evening of the field; to a degree. The announcement of the November International fixture list is a relief for fans. That they can now look forward to higher competition, against several of the best sides in Northern hemisphere rugby. READ MORE
Over the development of professional rugby, the players voice seems to have softened. No longer as accessible, it appears that ‘Coach Speak’ is the popular channel for teams to communicate. Think Eddie Jones, Michael Cheika, Warren Gatland or Steve Hansen. Each is well spoken, and this shows how the manager today is speaking out. Today, […] READ MORE
As the big rematch against Ireland arrives, the All Blacks will be looking to make a big statement in Dublin and respond in dominant fashion. The so-called experimental XV that Steve Hansen selected last weekend against Italy put out one of the best performances in 2016. Aaron Cruden was solid with the kicking boots and his […] READ MORE
Italy were humbled in front of their home fans, going down 68-10 to the All Blacks in a match where it was a tale of different teams. It was something of a training run for the All Blacks, but a poorer than expected Italian side won’t look any further than themselves for the answers as to […] READ MORE
It took 111 years, but Ireland have finally beaten the All Blacks in an historic 40-29 win in front of 62,000 fans at Soilder Field. It was nothing short of a thriller in Chicago, and the perfect way to end a history-making week of sport in the city–the Cubs baseball team won the World Series. […] READ MORE
The All Blacks have achieved the World Record of 18-straight Test victories, but a new and exciting prospect faces the World Champions over the next month of rugby. Their biggest challenge of the Northern Tour is certainly Ireland, one of the most passionate rugby nations. For Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt; a kiwi himself, this is […] READ MORE
The All Blacks have named a strong squad for their upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour to Chicago and to Europe beginning in two weeks time. Fresh off their 37-10 victory over the Wallabies, the All Blacks now turn their attention to the traditional end-of-year tour. This isn’t just a trip away for Steve Hansen and his […] READ MORE
Michael Pulman is a contributor for Last Word On Rugby and writes regular content with a New Zealand focus. Beginning as a blogger on his own and through various other platforms, Mike has gone on to become a genuine sports reporter, covering NZ Rugby and all competitions domestic, and Internationally, as well as Cricket.